“Be it isolated ice-clad tundras, heavily wooded forests, or dried-up riverbeds, the 2026 KTM 1390 Super Adventure R is ready to cross borders in search of new, uncharted ground.” So says KTM’s press release. It looks to be great bike, but ice?
Body by KTM
The first thing you’ll notice with the Super Adventure R comes is the brand-new body work. Look close and the shorter windshield, said to be more off-road focused, comes into view. There’s also LED lighting throughout, plus more cubbies for storing your gear.
A Bigger Twin
With 49 more cubes in play and some new technology, KTM’s new 1350cc engine generates more power than its 1290 predecessor. KTM claims 173 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque for the new mill. They also tout their new Camshift system as delivering the power at lower RPM, making the 500-pound (claimed dry weight) Adventure R easier to ride when the going gets tough.
Camshift provides variable valve timing by using two cam profiles. When the revs go up, the inlet cams move sideways to high-profile lobes that lift the valves higher and keep them open longer. This increases fuel intake and generates more power. At lower RPM the valves return to the low profiles to reduce timing and lift. Per KTM, this “results in a noticeable increase in rideability in both normal road conditions around town and high-performance use on faster, open roads.”
Adventure R Suspension Package
KTM prepped the Adventure R for some tough going with a heavy load. Up front is a 48mm WP Explor split cartridge fork (spring on one side, damping on the other) handles those dry riverbeds, while a WP Xplor Progressive Damping System steadies the rear. KTM also stiffened the frame to improve overall handling and stability in hard going. As well, the skid pan is beefed up over previous models, no doubt to better fend off the roots and stumps in heavily wooded forests.
KTM 1390 Tech
Keeping with its rally look, KTM gave the Super Adventure R a vertical-mount dashboard that holds an 8-inch touchscreen said to be intuitive to use. The goal is easy operation, even while wearing gloves thick enough to brave those ice-clad tundras. The screen itself is anti-everything (reflex, fingerprint, and glare) to facilitate seeing the data.
A new navigation feature provides route planning, including waypoints, A-to-B plans, offline routing, and preset POIs, such as home and work. The map navigation system mates to the connectivity unit, allowing a rider to use it without a cell phone. Features like online search, routing, and live traffic become available by connecting a phone via WiFi.
KTM plans to have the 2026 1390 Super Adventure R at their dealers in February, 2025. The list price is $21,649.
KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO
The Adventure R has a new brother, the Adventure S EVO, which the company calls “the most technologically advanced Adventure machine in the KTM wheelhouse.” This 2027 model has the same engine upgrades as the R, but is is built more for smooth tarmac than rocky riverbeds. The cast wheels in a 17-/19-inch front/rear configuration are a dead giveaway. The variable damping of KTM’s new-generation Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension provides the lion’s share of that comfort. A new frame and lower, wider footpegs help as well.
No Shifting Required
While the S EVO received the same engine upgrades and power boost as the R model, it runs those ponies through an all-new automated manual transmission (AMT). Exclusive to the S EVO, it’s also the first one KTM has fielded. Riders can shift manually using the tried-and-true foot lever, the bar mounted paddles, or just twist and go with the automated gearbox.
Safety First
A full complement of safety features enhances the S’s street-going cred. Adaptive speed control senses traffic to the front and both sides of the bike and adjusts speed to match. Braking assist is similar, sensing if you’re slowing hard enough to stop for whatever is ahead. If not, it takes over the braking to prevent a collision. Distance warning and collision warning round out the safety set. KTM allows the rider to disable any or all of the safety features while riding.
There’s plenty more about the exciting new S EVO here. It should be in the showrooms this coming March, priced at $22,699.
Final note: KTM builds both 1390s Austria and provides a 2-year, 24,000-mile warranty.
Specifications (Adventure R)
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 1350cc V-Twin 4-stroke
Engine performance: 173 horsepower; 107 pound-feet of torque
Fuel capacity: 6.1 gallons
Transmission: 6-speed
Suspension / front: 48mm inverted WP Explor fork, 9.4-inch travel
Suspension / rear: single WP Explor shock, 9.4-inch travel
Brakes / front: twin 320mm disc brakes with radially mounted calipers
Brakes / rear: single 267mm disc brake with fixed caliper
Tires / front: 90/90-21 Dunlop Trailmax Raid
Tires / rear: 150-70-18 Dunlop Trailmax Raid
Seat height: 34.6 inches
Ground clearance: 9.5 inches
Weight: 547 lb (factory claim
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
Images: KTM
Read more: KTM 390s
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
